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A well composed tribute to a veteran singer

In honour: Music director M.S. Viswanathan being honoured at a function to felicitate playback singer P. Susheela in Tiruchi. (From left) Vairamuthu, lyricist, playback singer P. Susheela and N. Siva, MP are in the picture.

M. Balaganessin

M. S. Viswanathan composes music to Vairamuthu’s words on stage, much to the delight of music lovers

TIRUCHI: “It is a real test for me and I did whatever I could on the spot; I am still a little student in the ocean of music,” observed noted music director M. S. Viswanathan, after composing music to lyricist Vairamuthu’s words in praise of the playback singer P. Susheela.

Thunderous applause rent the air in recognition of Mr. Viswanathan’s brilliance and innovation in producing a fitting tune instantaneously, and in appreciation of the song that Mr. Vairamuthu had also penned on the spot.

These innovations, termed memorable in the history of Tamil film world, unfolded at a function held in the city on Sunday to felicitate Ms. Susheela in recognition of her six decades-long service to the film industry.

Even as the speakers kept showering encomiums on Ms. Susheela describing how songs sung by her had created an indelible impact on their lives and careers, Mr. Vairamuthu was having his tryst with a pen and a piece of paper.

No sooner did Mr. Viswanathan conclude his felicitations than Mr. Vairamuthu rushed towards him and produced his lyrics, with a polite request to compose a tune. Without any second thought, Mr. Viswanathan hurried towards the key-board.

After going through the song for a few seconds, he immediately composed a tune and sung the song himself, much to the delight of music lovers.

All the chief guests, including Ms. Susheela stood beside Mr. Viswanathan, as he was singing the song.

Describing himself as a little student subjected to periodical tests, Mr. Viswanathan said that Mr. Vairamuthu’s assignment was one such test. The song described Ms. Susheela’s mellifluous voice, melody in modulations, the rare amalgamation of different ‘bhavas’ besides the names of different ‘ragams’ in which she had sung several film songs.

Mr. Vairamuthu honoured Mr. Viswanathan with a shawl and a warm hug.

“This incident will be recorded in the history of Tamil film world through release of an audio casette,” said the Rajya Sabha Member ‘Tiruchi’ N. Siva, the function organiser.